All dogs go to heaven...

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Dogs are truly amazing creatures. They love us with complete and reckless abandon. If our days are horrible and depressing, and we’re in the very worst mood possible, the love we receive from our dogs can be the most healing of all soothing balms. Coming home to an empty house from a stressful day is always hard. But, being welcomed with the joy that returning soldiers receive when arriving safely home from battle makes walking through that door worthwhile. And, we haven’t even risked our lives. We’ve just slaved away, listened to other people’s complaints, tried to solve problems and felt little satisfaction. And, yet, we are greeted as liberating heroes ! Their trust in us, their faith in us, and their complete devotion to us make believe in ourselves again. Dogs have the ability to see past our grumpiness, our laziness and our worst faults. They look into our very hearts and see the good that lies within.

Dogs, however, aren’t sedentary creatures. We have to walk them, care for them and engage with them. Study after study has shown that people who own dogs live longer, healthier lives. Why is this ? For those who live alone, dogs provide a reason to get up the morning, to exercise and to look outside ourselves. For others, they provide lessons in love and responsibility. The wonderful programs of visiting pet programs into nursing homes have shown remarkable results in the residents. Even people who can’t have a dog, can feel the joy emanating from their furry visitors. Dogs beg us to interact and to be less selfish…even if it means sharing a bite of bagel in the morning, or a touch of steak at dinner. But, we are happy to share with them, because they make our lives more musical.

Dogs can also be incredibly sensitive. A few years ago, we had a dinner party for my mother, and some of her oldest friends. One friend, Norma, was disabled and in a wheelchair. My oldest dog, Mackenzie, was then a 3 year old, and a very large German Shepherd. Mackenzie sat by Norma’s chair the entire time, occasionally resting her large, gentle head in Norma’s lap. While Norma didn’t own a dog at that time, she had been a Shepherd owner and lover during most of her adult life. I was amazed at the serenity Mackenzie, usually so dramatic and playful, showed while staying very close to our guest. She was attentive, concerned and gentle. When the car arrived to pick up our guests from their evening, Mackenzie followed Norma out the door and looked over the car very carefully. I could almost hear her brain saying “Is this a suitable and safe way for my new friend to leave ? I understand she has special concerns.” The extraordinary part about this visit was that Mackenzie had never been around a disabled person before, and often was overly gregarious in her greetings. I had been concerned about her being gentle enough. Yet, Mackenzie rose to the challenge, and made Norma’s evening special. Norma enjoyed being loved, gently & peacefully, that evening from someone who simply enjoyed being by her side.

These stories are endless and almost everyone has them. I enjoy walking my dogs into town, because I’m often stopped and talked to by people who have dog memories to share. They’re a great unifier among very different people. The provide a common language for all of us. Of course, I’m just as often stopped by people who are fascinated that, combined, I walk 260 pounds of dogs.
In Yoga, a pose I enjoy practicing as part of our Sun Salutations, is Upward Facing Dog. When held for 15 seconds or more, this asana can improve posture, strengthen, arms, wrists and back, firm your abdominal muscles and has even been shown, in some cases, to improve mild depression. I find it utterly fascinating that a pose can help treat mild depression…and has the name of one of the greatest loneliness cures: dog!

Since two of my favorite topics are dogs and yoga, I have watched Animal Planet’s “K-9 Karma” for years. I am only sorry that there aren’t new episodes, but the wonderful ideas combining our pets and our yoga practice have made their ways into my heart. Unfortunately, my pets aren’t nearly as cooperative about practicing yoga as “K-9 Karma’s” host, Kari’s, are. Mine usually feel the urgent need to kiss my nose while I’m in an asana. But, it’s a wonderful, uplifting and joyful celebration of two of my passions.

So, today, take your dog for a walk. Kiss her and snuggle with her. Tell him what a wonderful boy he is ! And, if you’re not a dog owner, I can guarantee there are fabulous friends just waiting for a walk, some time spent, or even adoption, at your local shelter. Just guard your slippers.

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras